TRNSD Sound x HYPE Magazine Presents Session X – Tsukudu

TRNSD Sound x Hype Magazine have finally reached the big 10! For “Session  X” we are happy to feature Joburg based producer, Tsukudu Moreng for this special milestone.

This month Tsukudu will be releasing a EP on the 25th of May, in the meantime you can bounce to this exclusive mix that he made for TRNSD Sound x Hype Magazine ‘Session X’ and check the interview below.

How long have you been in the game, and how has your sound changed over the years?

I wouldn’t consider myself fully in the game just yet, but I have been making music for about 8 or so years now. My sound from when I first started has changed quite drastically, and I suppose it is because I keep growing and developing as an artist. Even till this day I still feel as though my sound changes in a way.

When I started, I was trying to make Hip-Hop beats but because I listened to a lot of alternative and electronic stuff as well, my sound inevitably developed into a blend of everything I was listening to or inspired by. In my 3rd year or so, I went into doing acapella music and which lead to me putting out an EP called Armonias which was the first piece of work I was confident enough to put out. From then on I worked on various projects and each of them had their own unique sound and style that sort of represented where I was as an artist at the time the project was being made. Now I believe my sound is more refined but I still can’t really put a name to it, I just know that it sounds good to me haha.

Can you give us the lowdown on your upcoming project MELODIESONIC 

MELODIESONIC is a musical EP which is essentially my latest effort as an artist. I’d like to consider it my formal “introduction to the music game,” considering the time and effort put into it. The cover art is very specific in that it was crafted to deliver a message about where I am right now as an artist and as a person who wants to follow his passion and love for music (I will leave the precise interpretation of the artwork to your imagination haha).

The EP is inspired a lot by the music that I listen to, coupled with what I believe to be a musical expression of where I am as an artist today. As a person trying to get into the music scene while also working a 9-5 and completing a Masters degree, the EP is a musical expression of the trials and tribulations that I have gone through during this time. It’s basically a story of someone that is extremely and deeply passionate about his art (music) but life circumstances keep that person away from living their dream, which is a reality for most in South Africa.

It also represents acceptance of the fact that I have a lot to learn as a musician, something that I was in denial about from the beginning. Finally, the title is an ode to electronic music, which deals a lot with the meddling of sonics and sonic sounds but doing so in a melodic way, in a way that touches the soul.

MELODIESONIC will be available on all streaming platforms including Spotify and Apple Music on the 25th of May 2018.

Talk to us about the current state of electronic music in South Africa

Haha great question. I think generally speaking it’s in a good place, but it could do better. In SA the focus is still very much on EDM, which is good, but the scene around the world is moving fast towards Electronic Soul and Electro Jazz and so on. It would be nice to see us South Africans get on the ball with these new waves of electronic music. There are SO MANY gems and amazing artists that are being slept on and that is just because as South Africans we are still used to traditional EDM and other traditional genres of music.

Who do you consider your contemporaries, who have you collaborated with, and who are the artists you would most like to work with?

Wow there are so many, Internationally I would say Evil Needle, Kaytranada, Monte Booker, Tom Misch, Galimatias, Jordan Rakei and The Like. They inspire me so much. In SA, I have collaborated with the producer Sage Hitomi (he’s unbelievable you have to check him out). I have also collabs with tons of upcoming artists, Vuyo Renene, Melo B Jones, Nu Edison, 2leestark, SimmySimmyNya. I’m still working on other music with those artists as well which I am really excited about, those guys really push me to become a better producer and all round artist. I would most like to work with artists like KaeB (amazing producer, check him out), DjSkinniez, Daev Martian, Muzi and Espacio Dios. We don’t really need to put stuff out, I’d just love to sit in studio with them and talk about music and their respective journeys. That’s like the best form of inspiration I feel.

Favourite piece of tech…

Teenage Engineering OP-1 Synth, i just cry at the power in that synthesizer.

Favourite hangout spot…

Wherever my friends are lol?

Music to play at the afterparty when it’s 6am and the sun is beginning to rise…

Definitely some Bonobo or Taylor McFerrin or Robert Glasper, I think I’m just mellow like that.

Where you can find Tsukudu 

Twitter

Instagram

 

TRNSD Sound x HYPE Magazine Presents Session 009 – EMAMKAY

Can we just take a second to thank God for this exceptionally talented Producer & DJ who’s been on our radar for a minute, for our 9th instalment of TRNSD Sound x HYPE Magazine Sessions we feature producer and DJ EMAMKAY.

Guys, this man will touch your heart deeply with his RnB, soulful sounds. If you don’t believe me, take a listen to his EP titled The Band – Patterns. EMAMKAY has mastered his sound and perfected the art of featuring the right artists who add the final touch to his masterpieces. His album Alpha which was released last year under the UK based indie label Shimmy Records has gotten over 15 000 streams on Soundcloud and is available on Bandcamp. 

This is the kind of music that truly feeds your soul, the kind of music that will allow you to escape life for a minute. Nothing is better than coming across a talented artist who is versatile in different genres of music such as Hip/Hop, Ambient, Jazz & Electro, and still manages to be authentic. We need to support our South African gems at all costs as this local is definitely lekker! Believe the hype and check him out

How did your musical journey begin?

Well, my mother brought me 50 Cent’s “Get Rich Or Die Trying” album on a TDK cassette from work. I was into kwaito during that time, but that tape got me into writing raps. Then my father booked me some studio time and I recorded my first song at around 9 years old. It’s all history from then on.

That’s real dope! So why the name EMAMKAY?

It was Master Mind King, and then shortened to MMK and now the word EMAMKAY. Truth to be told I misspelt my stage name and so people mispronounce it, it’s supposed to be EMEMKAY. A little too late to change it now, don’t you think?

As it is known, “Sometimes It’s Our Greatest Mistakes That Make for the Greatest Ideas.” Name one local festival that you would like to perform at and why?

Probably the Cape Town Jazz Festival and Newport Jazz Fest. I’d like to think getting booked to play there says a lot about your level of musicianship. I’d also love to play at the Orbit in Braamfontein one day, it’s not a fest, but hey, it’s cool to me.

Briefly take us through your creative process

I reflect on the wonders of my life, smoke a joint and practice something on the keyboard. I’d normally find a cool loop somewhere in between experimenting with chord changes, and  if it feels right, I make it a song.

What’s your favourite track on your album Alpha?

I love all of them. You know what’s funny? Even I can’t replicate that album. It’s one of my favourites.

What is that one thing that you would change in the South African music scene/industry?

To be honest, I’m not interested in it. I’m not even sure I like it. I guess it’s by default that I’m in the music industry when I put a price tag on my music but I have a day job, and that’s “industry” enough for me.

How can the peeps reach you?

• Soundcloud: EMAMKAY
• Twitter: @ankhmind
• Nudes: phonerotica.com
• Booking: Booking@nokturnvl.com

Anything you’d like to add/share here?

Yebo! I’m finishing this one EP called You Make You Smile. I made it to remind people that happiness is found from within. I’m Also working on a video for a song called “Coco”, a tribute to our beautiful melanin coated skin. All of this will be coming soon.

Written By: Antelmina’Sola’Piedade

 

TRNSD Sound x HYPE Magazine Presents Session 007 – Nouveaux

For our 7th installment of HYPE Magazine x TRNSD Sound Sessions we feature Joburg based DJ duo Nouveaux. Thubelihle Nkutha and Neo Motiso joined forces to bring a unique sound to the industry. Their music selection and style of mixing has definitely gotten the attention of many which you can tell by the number of listens on their Souncloud page. We asked them to do an exclusive guest mix for us as well as give us a brief lowdown on who Nouveaux is.

Listen to the guestmix here:

 

What reason(s) got you guys to decide that you want to both DJ, as a duo?

Well Neo was the one who knew how to DJ because he studied at the Academy of Sound Engineering. I needed someone to make mixes for an event called Woke Arts, he was the only one who could and I used to select the song. Then it moved to us both selecting songs together, from there people wanted us to play live and that is how we became a duo, it was never planned and that is probably the beauty of this whole experience. (Thube)

Well basically the formation of Nouveaux was the result of Thube asking me to mix a list of songs he curated for an event called Woke Arts. People responded well to the mix and demand built for another one and then another one. We eventually saw that we could take this unique style of music we play and run with it. Now we both do the curating and mixing. (Neo)

Describe Nouveaux in one sentence?

New sounds, vibes that never stop and music that the people always want to hear. (Thube)

Nouveaux is French for new and that the type of sound we are trying to bring to people (Neo)

From listening to your sets, you seem to be inspired a lot by electronic, bounce, disco etc… “Soundcloud music” as most would call it. Do you think there’s a viable market for this sound in South Africa?

Yes, because music in South Africa is something that is not confined to one genre. There are different types of people who like different types of music, which includes the Soundcloud diggers and lovers. Which is where we found most of our success to stem from, so there is a market that needs to be tapped into. (Thube)

I would definitely agree. With the rise of streaming sites, more and more people are tailoring their own playlists instead of relying solely on the “mainstream”. People want to hear something different, you can see it with the success the Soulection shows have had here as well as the continued demand for acts like Kaytranada to come to South Africa. (Neo)

Do you guys plan on producing any of your own music in the near future?

Yes, we joke around about it but it is very much a plan. Issues we have is the distance we have and when we are together, the time together is too short to make a new mix and fresh sounds. It will happen, there is no rush. (Thube)

Original content is definitely in the pipeline for the future. I think more than anything, it’s just about taking our time and perfecting our craft so that when we do drop, it can be something meaningful instead of just dropping music because its “the next stage” of our career. (Neo)

A little get to knows:

– Music to get high to… Childish Gambino and Soulection Radio. Probably with Soulection it comes with the diverse artists they have, in those probably Sango and Abjo are the artists who are great to get high too. If I am being corny, Kid Cudi never fails. (Thube)

Definitely some Tame Impala, Toro y Moi, stuff along those lines. Nothing’s better when you’re high trust me (Neo)

– Favourite piece of tech… IPhone, because Steve Jobs motherfucker. (Thube)

More than anything, the Soundcloud application, the gems there are infinite and it’s an important part of our digging regiment. But if you’re talking hardware, then definitely the Pioneer DDJ-SR controller. It’s not the most advanced controller but it has everything you need and just the feel of it and how it works is a dream. Definitely one to save up for. (Neo)

– Music to play at the afterparty when it’s 6am and the sun is beginning to rise… Nothing, because we should be sleeping at that time. Neo can answer because he never sleeps (Thube)

I can’t tell you much about a 6am after party, I usually don’t rage that hard, but if you’re in the Uber on your way home after a cinematic night, you’ve got to let off some Fela Kuti or Miriam Makeba. Anything jazzy really but those two are some faves. (Neo)

– Favourite hangout spot… Home, home is a place of peace and serenity. (Thube)

Great Dane is legendary, a lot of good memories made there. (Neo)

– A Musician/DJ you’d want to collaborate with… Das Kapital from South Africa and Sango from America. (Thube)

I’d love to work with a Joe Kay or a Gilles Peterson. Those are big inspirations in terms of what we do. (Neo)

Where you can find Nouveaux
– Twitter: NouveauxSA
– Soundcloud: NouveAux / UNDRSCR
– Bookings: Nouveauxmusic@gmail.com

TRNSD Sound x Hype Magazine Presents Session 006 – FKA Mash

For our 6th installment of TRNSD Sound and Hype Magazine Sessions, we feature up and coming DJ and Producer Mash Lekgothoane who goes by FKA MASH. We asked him to do a exclusive guestmix for us as well as give us a brief lowdown on what inspired his latest offering, “PRJKT 2”

Listen to FKA Mash exclusive guestmix here:

“PRJKT 2 is the second installment from the PRJKT SERIES by Fka MASH, which is a platform I set up for myself to showcase my sound using various styles of electronic dance music. It was released on Stay True Sounds. PRJKT-1 can be found on my Soundcloud page. PRJKT 3 & 4 are coming soon.”

“The inspiration behind PRJKT 2 was mainly my love for good melody coupled with a memorable groove. ‘Another Glitch Dub’ was the first song, the rest of the songs were modeled around the sonic structure of Another Glitch Dub. The titles of the songs are self explanatory in terms my head space I was making them. My songs are generally heavily influenced by my mood. My music is my outlet.”

Where to find FKA MASH:

• Facebook: @realfkamash
• Instagram: @realfkamash
• Twitter: @realfkamash
• Soundcloud: realfkamash
  
• Bookings & enquiries: Bangweding@gmail.com
• Website: www.fkamash.co.za

TRNSD SOUND x HYPE MAGAZINE Presents Session 005 – Daev Martian

Listen Below:

 

For our 5th instalment of TRNSD Sound x HYPE Magazine Sessions, we feature Dave Moyo AKA Daev Martian who’s a DJ, producer and sound engineer based in the Northern Suburbs of Johannesburg, South Africa. He’s also signed to Kid Fonque and Julian Gomes’ Stay True Sounds label.

Daev is expected to release his debut album “Frequency Manipulation” later in October this year and here’s the exclusive lowdown on it’s progress:

“The album “Frequency Manipulation” is being finalized & mastered in Bristol (UK), releasing it with Space Hardware. The aim here is not to have expectations, receiving it as is & then deciding where your life goes after that. Do not expect it to be like the previous releases. It will be a lot more vocal than anything I’ve ever put out (with a lot of raps). Expected release is October but stay tuned for more info on gigs & a pre-album releases”

He’ll also be hosting a Frequency Manipulation event at Kitcheners in Braamfontein on the 10th of August 2017 where you’ll get a piece of the upcoming album as he will be performing a special single off the album alongside a special guest on the forthcoming album.

A little get to know about Daev:

– Music to get high to…

The Step Kids … https://soundcloud.com/thestepkids [Very Important], Toro Y Moi, Daev Martian and Migos

– Favourite piece of tech… A Mac Computer. (& Piano if it counts as tech)

– Music to play at the afterparty when it’s 6am and the sun is beginning to rise… Mini Culcha by Mo Kolours (Beautiful Swimmers Remix) {on Repeat}, Beauty of Sunrise by Bheki Mseleku and Low Key by Frank Casino

– Favourite hangout spot… Home, Braamfontein, Maboneng and Melville (You know how it is)

– Favourite album of all time… Tropeau Bleu by Stereolab (My answer will probably change by the time you read this)

FIND ME:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/daevmartian

Facebook: www.facebook.com/daevmartian

Twitter: www.twitter.com/daevmartian

Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/daevmartian

Mixcloud: www.mixcloud.com/daev-martian

TRNSD Sound x HYPE Present Session 004 – BASMNT

For the month of June, TRNSD SOUND x HYPE MAGAZINE Sessions will be doing a 2 hour special. Kicking off the first hour will be resident DJ, BASMNT.

Listen Below:

Khanyisile Dube, aka BASMNT (pronounced Bassment) is also the owner and creative director of the Joburg based streetwear brand TRNSD, created the sound division to provide a platform for South African DJs and Producers who he feels are on the same wavelength as his brand, “As in, if the type of music they play or produce had to be visually represented, you would see our shit.”

“I started DJing at the beginning of 2016, I felt like sharing the music I listen to and the vibes I go through when I design clothes or just fucking around on Photoshop, getting a glimpse of being in a space of what inspires me sonically as I conjure up concepts and ideas for my brand.”

Twitter : @khanyiidube

Instagram : @khanyiidube

Mixcloud : www.mixcloud.com/basmnt

Bookings/Inquires : bookings@trnsd.co.za

 

TRNSD SOUND x HYPE Present Session 003 – Bo’s Hub

For our 3rd installment we feature the Cape Town based eclectic Producer/DJ Bonolo Thomas AKA Bo’s Hub. Listen to her exclusive mix below.

 

I recently heard the Under Pressure Sundays season finale which was released this past week. Please give us the lowdown on how the dope idea came about and are you going to continue with it or is this really the end?

So Under Pressure Sundays came about very spontaneously. My very good friend DrugFreeSports and myself started the page, with the help of Justice Machaba, Lazy Ent and Dada Shiva, as a means of channeling our experimental musical ideas. The Under Pressure Sundays page was just a simple outlet and the weekly Sundays element added to the “under pressure” type vibe we had imagined. The consistency of our weekly drops gave the experiment momentum and it literally just grew from there. Today I’d say Under Pressure Sundays is a safe space open to musicians and producers who would like to share their perspective of music.

It is definitely not the end, it’s quite the opposite actually. Under Pressure Sunday’s is structured seasonally, so this finale tape is just the end of this season. There should be more stuff coming your way in a few months or so. It’s also quite difficult to cope with the weekly time constraint so breaks are necessary.

Of course, okay that’s good news! I wanted to know in your experiences, what are some of the challenges that still have to be overcome in such a male dominated industry? Although we now have platforms like Pussy Party and Girls Just Wanna Have Fun that promote and cater for femme DJs.

I absolutely love these platforms that are surfacing in and around our spaces that cater to female talent like myself. What’s so amazing (but not surprising) is that fact that the general vibe at Pussy Party (for example) is the actual vibe. Like, nothing beats those organic energies, which says a lot about the trajectory of where the industry is headed. There are so many dope huns killing it out here, stressing about the male dominance aspect of this stuff (I feel) will hinder my vision and growth as an artist.

In your opinion, what’s the difference between the Cape Town and Joburg music scene?

In terms of the eclectic nature of the scene in both areas, I’d say they’re pretty much the same to be honest. I think Cape Town is more exciting because of the variety of spaces we have as options. It’s almost like a musical treasure hunt. You can stumble across a cool, low-key, live band acoustic spot on a strange day. A place you have never heard of and they’re playing your favourite type of music there. In Joburg you have “go-to” spots you go to in order to access these vibes. Certain places are known for certain vibes and that is how it is, unless you come across pop up festivals that creep up here and there (which we need more of).

A little get to knows:

–  Music to get high to…

Anything by Vibe Music Collective, James Blake (Pembroke/CMYK stuffs) and definitely a lot of other tracks. This question isn’t fair lol

–  Favourite piece of tech…

I’m assuming you mean technology? lols uhm… my laptop.

–  Music to play at the afterparty when it’s 6am and the sun is beginning to rise…

It depends what type of party I come from. I usually continue the previous vibe. So if we were at WeHouseSundays for example, I’d play a young deep house playlist.

–  Favourite hangout spot…

Anywhere in Obz and Woodstock (Cape Town). Kitcheners in Joburg AF. I’m more of a chill session girl or cooler box outdoorsy vibes wherever.

–  A Musician/DJ you’d want to collaborate with…

Hlasko, Linafornia, P.U.D.G.E, Steve Lacy and Frank Ocean. I want to learn from DJ Premier. I’d also love to DJ alongside someone like Hannah Faith. She attracts a very good aura and vibe. That Pussy Party type energy. Lol I know I’m reaching…

• TWITTER: @BonoloThomas
• BOOKINGS: bonolothomas@yahoo.com

Artwork By: @Kemo.wasabi for Under Pressure Sundays

 

 

TRNSD Sound Presents Session 001 – Deniece Marz…

Stream TRNSD Sound Session 001 – Deniece Marz…

Founded in 2016, TRNSD Sound is a local platform moving culture with music as the foundation. TRNSD Sound was created to inspire a passive consumption placing value on music discovery an creation.

For our first DJ guest session, we’ve got a young wavy lady who goes by Deniece Marz… “Don’t forget the ellipsis, it’s part of the name.”

Stream TRNSD Sound Session 001 – Deniece Marz…

Get to know a little bit about her and her vibes below.

• Who is Deniece Marz…?

Deniece Marz… is an all round artist (DJ and closet producer), currently studying fashion design.

• What got you to start playing on the one’s and two’s and how did you end up finding your sound?

I’ve always really loved music & I’ve been known to carry a big music library in my head, so I always kinda used to mix and mesh songs in my head. That made decide to start learning how to DJ. As far as getting my sound, I’ve always been surrounded by Hip-hop and jazz music thanks to my dad and uncle.

• Do you find any challenges being a young black women in the DJ scene?

Of course there are challenges, but I like to use that as a weapon. People don’t expect much out of you at first, because you’re a black female DJ. Once they see you play, you change the ideas they had of you because of your race and gender.

• The South African street culture is really causing waves from the fashion to the arts and the music. What are your thoughts on how the youth are adopting and a carrying our culture? Is the representation good?

The youth is really doing their thing. They’re doing some good things in street culture. We just need to lean to stay level headed and humble, to make sure we don’t pet our egos. Also, we need to be more professional in our hustle, know how to treat people with respect and to respect their art and time.

• Do you plan on producing or releasing your own music in future?

I would love to. I’ve been holding onto some stuff in my Ableton files. In the near future, though, I’d definitely like to put something out.

We’ve made-up a list of 5 “favourite” questions below to know a little extra about you:

1. Favorite sneaker brand?

Vans/Nikes

2. Favorite album of all time?

uhhh… ‘Black on Both Sides.’

3. Favorite piece of Tech?

My Mackbook

4. Most Favorite venue to chill at?

My room, haha dope vibes and good music all the time

5. If you ever got the chance to collaborate with any musician/DJ, ho would it be?

Musician: Daev Martian
DJ: JustThemba (favorite Dj!!!!)

Social Media

Instagram + Twitter: _deniece_

Mixcloud: deniece_marz

TRNSD Sound x STR WRD Present Bassment Sessions 05 Mix

Stream/Download Bassment Sessions 05 Mix by resident DJ BASMNT

TRACKLIST

Track Title	Artist
A Tale of 2 Citiez	J Cole
Worthy	Jeremih ft. Jhene Aiko
Summertime	DJ Jazzy Jeff &The Fresh Prince
Like It Like That	A Tribe Called Quest
Righteous Minds	Joey Bada$$
Electric Lady	Janelle Monae ft. Solange
Baddest	AKA ft. Burna Boy, Yanga & Khuli Chana
Your Love	Mick Jenkins
Can I Kick It?	A Tribe Called Quest
Don’t (Bryston Tiller Salgueiro Mix)	Sango ft. Chris McClenney
B4 The Night Is Thru	Jesse Boykins III
Girl	Vanilla
Hip Hop Hooray	Naughty By Nature
Highlights	Kanye West ft. Young Thug
You Know What’s Up	Donell Jones
Mac Tonight	Skyler Spence

TRNSD SOUND x STRWRD PRESENT BASSMENT SESSIONS

TRNSD Sound has come together with South African lifestyle and entertainment blog TheStreetWordIz  to present bi-weekly mixes by our very own DJ BASMNT titled ‘Bassment Sessions’ which are made available to the public for streaming or free download. It’s in the name, so expect an eclectic, underground and raw music, not really common in the South African club scenes but that what we’re trying to change.

Download/Stream: Bassment Session 02

Tracklist

• 2 Chainz – Flexin’ On My Baby Mama
• Future – Thought It Was A Drought
• Travi$ Scott – Uptown (Ft. A$AP Ferg)
• Bryston Tiller – 502 Come Up
• Pusha T – King Push
• Father – Fake AF
• Nasty C – Bamm Bamm
• Chinx  – Hitta
• Young Thug – With That
• Future – March Madness
• Emtee – Roll Up
• 2 Chainz – Watch Out
• Priddy Ugly – My Swing
• PARTYNEXTDOOR – Wild Bitches
• Meek Mill – Jump Out The Face (Ft. Future)
• Travi$ Scott – Basement Freestyle
• Young Thug – Pull Up On A Kid (Feat. Yak Gotti)
• Anatii – Jump (Ft. Cassper Nyovest & Nasty C)

Bassment Sessions 1 By DJ BASMNT

 

Stream/Download: Bassment Sessions 01

TRACKLIST
—
Future – Groupies
Travi$ Scott – A Team
Chinx – Abu Dhabi
Migos – One Time
Travi$ Scott – Basement Freestyle
Rae Sremmurd – My X
Vic Mensa – U Mad (Feat. Kanye West)
Future & Drake – Big Rings
Young Thug –  Best Friend
Travi$ Scott – Antidote
2 Chainz – A Milli Billi Trilli (Feat. Wiz Khalifa)
Migos – Look At My Dab
Kiff No Beat – Tu Es Dans Pain
Future & Drake – Jumpman
Young Thug – Pull Up On A Kid (Feat. Yak Gotti)
Future – F*ck Up Some Commas
Schoolboy Q – F*ck LA
ILOVEMAKONNEN – Forever (Feat. Santigold & 1st)
Travi$ Scott – Backyard
PARTYNEXTDOOR – Party At 8
Kanye West – Facts
Young Thug – Switcheroo (Feat. Travi$ Scott & Guava Diaz) *Rough Cut*